Health care, sports and recreation, emergency services and recycling projects across Uralla are set to receive extra funding from the latest round of ACEN Australia’s Uralla Grants program announced today.
Thirteen projects in total will share $50,000 in funding under the program, which is designed to help share the benefits of the New England Solar project with the wider community.
Uralla Grants is ACEN Australia’s voluntary social investment contribution, established to support the Uralla community during the construction period of New England Solar Stage 1. It has been administered through the support of a Community Reference Group.
The grants program has so far supported 56 individual community projects, events and programs with $200,000 in funding over the past three years.
The latest round of funding will also support revegetation, pre-school equipment upgrades, community events and family day care and outreach services.
ACEN Australia Head of Construction Tim Greenaway said the success of the grants program had exceeded all expectations.
“The program has now supported more than 50 projects which provide so many positive benefits right across the community,” Mr Greenaway said.
“We set out to work with the community to establish a program to share the benefits of the solar and battery project with as many people as possible. I think it’s achieved that.”
As part of the Development Consent for New England Solar, ACEN Australia has committed to contributing more than $5M in community contributions over the next 25 years.
“With construction of Stage 1 nearly complete and getting ready for full generation, we’re now working with stakeholders and members of the community to shape a longer-term social investment program that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Uralla community.”
“We look forward to sharing more information on the program in the coming months and how community groups and organisations can continue to access funding moving forward.
New England Solar is generating more than 350 megawatts of clean renewable energy and sending that energy directly into the existing electricity transmission network.
Final construction and commissioning works are now being completed on the remaining infrastructure to complete the full 400 megawatts of capacity under the first stage of the project.
Construction works on Stage Two of the solar and battery works are expected to begin next year.
Media contact: Anthony O’Brien 0407 264 727
